Board votes to post planning and zoning administrator as 20-hour position after debate on pay and shared services

Mitchell County supervisors voted to post a planning and zoning administrator position as a 20-hour-per-week role with starting pay tied to experience after extended debate on July 14.

Board members and staff reviewed an updated job description and discussed whether a part-time (1516 hours) posting would be sufficient given ongoing tasks: pending solar and wind applications, an active variance request and GIS/map updates. Amanda Bear (speaker 10), who identified herself on the record, cautioned that 15 hours would not be sufficient, saying, "This is Mitchell County, and Mitchell County is very specific," and warned that permitting and ordinance work requires time and local knowledge.

Supervisors discussed alternatives including a 28E shared-services agreement with another county or contracting through Niacog for planning and zoning services. Some board members argued a shared arrangement would help cover public hearings and technical work; others raised concerns about local specificity and the ability of a shared employee to handle Mitchell County's unique land-use needs.

After discussing pay and hours, the board approved a motion to post the position at 20 hours per week with a starting wage tied to experience (the transcript records a base/start rate discussed as $24.35 hourly as the prior base and $25.35 having been approved; the motion specifies a starting-wage range based on experience). The motion passed on roll call with a majority recorded as ayes.

Separately, supervisors agreed interim communications procedures while the position is vacant: public-health staff will assume responsibility for sanitation tasks (wells, water testing, nuisances) and the board assigned specific supervisors (Pam and Laura on record) and staff to triage Amanda's planning-and-zoning emails and phone messages until a permanent arrangement is in place. The board also confirmed a temporary 2080 agreement with Chickasaw County to fill gaps while staff are trained and staffing is arranged.

Next steps: staff will post the updated job description with the 20-hour schedule and wage range, accept applications until filled, and explore 28E/shared-service options. The board asked staff to return with any refinements to hours or pay if the candidate pool or workload requires it.